Police brutality protesters flock to Mall of America

The group Black Lives Matter Minneapolis had more than 3,000 people confirm on Facebook that they would attend. Official attendance figures weren’t immediately available. Pictures posted to social media by news organizations showed the rotunda full Saturday.

The Mall of America increased security, and police in riot gear were present. WCCO-AM reported that stores were closed briefly. There were no immediate reports of arrests.

Police asked protesters to disperse. Many remained, and demonstration organizers urged them to leave. Signs at the mall notified shoppers that some entrances were locked down.

The rally is part of protests happening nationwide after officers weren’t charged in the deaths of unarmed black men in Missouri and New York.